Abstract

Weapon systems utilize Safe and Arm Devices (S&As, or SADs) to ensure
that certain safety and performancerequirements are met before
the main charge of the weapon can be detonated. Historically systems have been
composed of detonators made from sensitive primary explosives coupled by an
explosive train to the main explosive charge. These systems use mechanical,
out-of-line systems to physically interrupt the explosive train and prevent
inadvertent functioning. Arming is accomplished by rotating the detonators so
that they are in-line with the explosive train.

The mechanical S&As are becoming difficult to produce and the
manufacturing base is shrinking. Moreover, each weapon system has
a unique design. Advancement in electronic component manufacturing and
explosive initiation technologies have provided attractive alternatives to
mechanical S&A systems. These Electronic SADs (ESADs) use insensitive
explosives and employ electronic logic for performing the safe and arm function.

EG&G has entered into a CRADA with NSWC Dahlgren and NSWC Indian Head to
design and develop an ESAD that could be used in a number of weapon systems.
The system utilizes an Exploding Foil Initiator (EFI) to directly detonate an
insensitive explosive. The EFI requires a firing pulse with a narrow temporal
profile that is not easily produced accidentally. The ESAD also uses
micromachined accelerometers and electronic timing circuits to ensure that the
weapon system has traveled a safe distance from the launch system before the
firing circuitry is energized.

EG&G has also entered into a CRADA with NSWC Dahlgren to develop a next
generation detonator, a "Chip Slapper." The Chip Slapper is
manufactured using modern electronic manufacturing techniques; these techniques
allow us to produce detonators that are extremely consistent from one lot to
the next. The EG&G Chip Slapper detonator will be hermetically sealed and
qualified over a wide range of environments. Thus, this component could be used
in a large number of systems.